For Dodge City resident AJ Dole, the career choice came down to either game designer or chef. When all was said and done, Dole went with his instincts. “Ever since I was a kid I always liked to cook things,” Dole said. Now, Dole will be joining other like-minded individuals as he enrolls in Le Cordon Bleu in Las Vegas next fall. Founded in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu is a network of educational institutions committed to culinary and hospitality instruction. Dole said he thought it would be great to attend because of the world renowned chefs that graduate from the institution. Dole will be attending Le Cordon Bleu with his fair share of educational experience. Currently he is a senior at Kansas Connections Academy, a tuition-free, virtual public K – 12 school. “I think it’s great because the teachers are always there to help me,” Dole said. “I really am glad that it exists. If it weren’t for Kansas Connections Academy I don’t think I’d be able to pursue my dreams.” As for Le Cordon Bleu, Dole remains excited. “He talks about it all the time and he cooks a lot too,” Dole’s mother Pattie Dole said. “And he actually makes up his own recipes.” Dole said his favorite thing to cook is steak. As for his plans after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, he said he hopes to gain as much kitchen experience as possible, possibly working in Las Vegas and starting his own gourmet food truck. He may even come back to cook in Dodge City.